THE MORNING SHOW MURDERS by Al Roker and Dick Lochte
Al Roker has a wealth of fans created by his day job as the weatherman on NBC’s hugely popular “Today Show.” Over the years his personality has emerged and he is beloved as a jovial, charming man who not only gives the weather forecasts, he also engages in interviews with the guests.
Showing he is a true renaissance man, Roker has branched out into other areas the latest of which is mystery writer. He and co-writer Dick Lochte have authored THE MORNING SHOW MURDERS and it features a lead character who resembles Roker. This character is named Billy Blessing and he is a chef who owns his own restaurant. He is also a member of the team on the hit morning show “Wake Up America!”
Blessings life is truly blessed until one fateful day when the producer of the morning show is found dead. He has been poisoned by food which came from Blessing’s restaurant. Since Billy and the producer were antagonistic towards each other, Billy becomes suspect number one.
Later more deaths occur and Billy appears to be in the midst of it all. It is up to him to try to find out who the real murderer is. If he can do this he can prove his innocence and perhaps save his own life.
The book is a serious thriller with some moments of humor added for the pure enjoyment of the read. It is impossible to say which parts Roker contributed and which ones Lochte did, which is the perfect way for a collaboration to work. It does seem that some of the humor is pure Roker and that the insight about “morning show” life comes from him.
The important fact is this is a serious mystery thriller. It is not fluff. There are murders, red herrings, intriguing characters and a reveal at the end that does come as a surprise. The other surprise is that Roker is so good at this. His book is as accomplished as those by authors with many more years of experience.
The old rule of writing is write about what you know. In THE MORNING SHOW MURDERS this is exactly what Roker does. He brings the morning show area of television to life and lets it explode with a murder. Billy Blessing is an integral part of the team, as Roker is on “The Today Show”, and like him he sparks the morning hours with his personality and charm.
Since Roker’s main job is giving forecasts, we will give one to him. The forecast for THE MORNING SHOW MURDERS is bright with a chance of sequels.
THE MORNING SHOW MURDERS is published by Delacourte Press. It contains 320 pages and sells for $26.00.